FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Sept. 13, 2021

Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

KDPS detectives locate and arrest murder suspect in Oregon

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – On the evening of September 4, 2021, KDPS officers responded to the 4300-block of Hidden Hills Dr to conduct a welfare check on Solomon LeFlore, a 35-year-old Kalamazoo resident. Upon arrival, officers located Solomon deceased in his apartment with apparent gunshot wounds.

In the following days, detectives identified the suspect as Solomon’s 23-year-old roommate. Further, they determined the suspect had fled the state, and was likely heading to an address in Oregon. Detectives traveled to Oregon, and with the help of the Oregon State Police, were able to intercept the suspect and take him into custody on a rural highway in eastern Oregon on the night of September 10th.

The suspect is currently lodged at the Grant County Jail in Canyon City, Oregon, on murder and weapons charges. He will be held in Grant County until his extradition back to Michigan. At this time, his name is being withheld pending arraignment.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Solomon LeFlore’s family and friends following the untimely death of their loved one,” said Deputy Chief Dave Boysen, of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. “We also appreciate the Oregon State Police and the local sheriff departments who offered their assistance in this investigation.”

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911 or Silent Observer at (269) 343-2100.

Date:  August 29th, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, 269-762-2922

Bicyclist Injured in Accident

Kalamazoo, MI: On August 29th, 2021 at 12:50pm, Public Safety Officers responded to the intersection of W Kalamazoo Ave and N. Park St in reference to a bicyclist that was struck by a vehicle. Officers located a 28-year-old male with serious injuries. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was questioned by officers. Several witnesses also stayed on scene and provided statements. It was revealed that the victim was riding their bicycle in the provided crosswalk in the intersection when they were hit by a vehicle traveling westbound on W. Kalamazoo Ave. The incident is still under investigation. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

West Kalamazoo Ave between Park st and Cooley St was shut down for approximately 1.5 hours while Officers investigated. It is now open to normal traffic flow.   

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of:  Sgt. Brandon Noble

Date:  Saturday, August 28, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, BridgesR@KalamazooCity.org, (269) 762-2922

Subject Struck by Gunfire

Kalamazoo, MI:

            On Saturday August 28^th, 2021 at approximately 3:48 a.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers responded to the 700 blk of Florence St. for a report of shots being fired.

While Officers were canvassing the area searching for witnesses and evidence, they were informed that a 27-year-old male had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound.

The male who was struck by gunfire was transported to the hospital by a friend for a minor non-life-threatening injury. While Officers were investigating, firearms and narcotics were located. One 31-year-old Kalamazoo man has been arrested for multiple weapons and narcotic violations. This investigation is on-going, and no suspects have been identified for the shooting. 

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of:  Lt. David Juday

Date:  Thursday, August 12, 2021

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Ryan Bridges, BridgesR@KalamazooCity.org, (269) 762-2922

Narcotics and firearm recovered after traffic stop of stolen vehicle

Kalamazoo, MI

On August 12th, 2021, at approximately 0720 a.m., Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers located a stolen vehicle parked at a business in the 600 blk of E Michigan Ave. The vehicle was found to be occupied by two subjects.

Upon investigation, a loaded stolen firearm was located inside the vehicle. Narcotics were additionally found on the vehicle’s driver. A 17-year-old Kalamazoo male was taken into custody on several felony weapons charges, drug charges, and for possessing a stolen vehicle. A 21-year-old Kalamazoo female was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant.

Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

By authority of: Sgt. Brandon Noble

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday August 11th, 2021

Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922

KDPS to host local recruitment tour Thursday, August 12 

Kalamazoo, Mich. – On Thursday, August 12, 2021, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will be visiting 7 locations throughout the City of Kalamazoo to recruit future Public Safety Officers.

At each location, Public Safety Officers will be on-hand to discuss the hiring process and encourage residents to pursue a career with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

The current recruitment application opened on August 11, 2021 and will close on August 29 at 4 p.m.

The KDPS recruitment tour will make stops at the following locations:

• D & W, 2103 Parkview Ave., Kalamazoo @ 12:00 pm
• University Commons, 4620 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo @ 12:45 pm
• Westwood Plaza, 4702 W. Main St., Kalamazoo @ 1:30 pm
• Park Street Market, 512 N. Park St., Kalamazoo @ 2:15 pm
• East Main Food and Beverage, 1614 E. Main St., Kalamazoo @ 3:00 pm
• Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo @ 3:45 pm
• Town and Country, 1824 Portage St., Kalamazoo @ 4:30 pm

Look for us in the parking lots of these locations with a fire engine and police cruisers!

To begin the application process for Public Safety Officer Recruit, please follow this link https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/about/employment/  and begin your journey!

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https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/2021/08/11/13448/